5 Things To Do In Florence

Florence is home to some of the world’s best art, incredible food, and culture! Check out what to do when you’re in this renaissance city next!

1. Piazzale Michelangelo

Here you’ll find the classic viewpoint you see on all of the postcards. Definitely grab a bottle of wine and some snacks and enjoy the sunset from the steps! A great atmosphere, often with live music. For a spot with fewer tourists, consider going a little further up to San Miniato al Monte - one of the highest points in the city!

2. Museums

Florence is home to some of the world’s best museums. The Uffizi Gallery boasts works from famous artists such as Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and so many more. Check out the Statue of David in the Galleria dell'Accademia as well. This smaller museum hosts many of Michaelangelo’s famous creations, as well as some of his unfinished sculptures!

3. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)

One, if not the most recognizable building in Florence, The Duomo has many great attributes that help this cathedral stand out from the thousands you can see across Europe. The pioneering design of its famous dome was the idea of Renaissance architect, Filippo Brunelleschi. It still stands as the largest brick-built dome in the world! If you’re looking for an amazing vantage point, this is one way to do it. You can go to the main ticket office and get a 48-hour pass for under 20 euros. That gets you entry into the Duomo, the Belltower, the Baptistry, and the museum behind the Duomo. You’ll need a reservation for the Duomo Dome itself if you want to climb up since it can become very crowded. In comparison, the belltower has a few open areas to rest as you walk up, and can be a little less crowded. Both are about 400 steps. The belltower is easier to climb, and has an amazing view of the city with the Duomo in the view! But if you would like to get a firsthand appreciation of how the dome was built, I suggest going up there as well. Go early! Especially when visiting in the summer.

4. Food

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with your dining options while in Italy. With so many delicacies and dishes unique to this area, Florence boasts an incredible food scene! Take a stroll across the river in the more “authentic” side of Florence called Oltrarno after a day or two of exploring the main historical area of Florence. There you can find Osteria Santo Spirito. They have some incredible dishes there, including an amazing four-cheese truffle gnocchi and Bistecca alla Fiorentina! Prices are great and the atmosphere is top-notch. For those who are more adventurous, consider trying a Lampredotto (or cow’s stomach) sandwich. Most street vendors will have them. Another great local dish to try is Ribollita. It’s a hearty soup made with Tuscan bread and lots of vegetables.

5. Gelato

After a big meal, save a little room for dessert! Here are a few gelato spots worth visiting (in no particular order)

1. Edoardo - going against the tip a lot of people go by: “Never eat near a huge tourist spot”, this place is right in the shadow of the Duomo. They make their own organic gelato and homemade cones! 

2.  Gelateria Santa Trinita - close by Osteria Santo Spirito (hint, hint) they have amazing flavors and the quality of their gelato is very good.

3. La Carraia - you may have seen these on those food videos from Facebook, but you can get a small cone for only 1 euro! Great for people on a budget

4. Gelateria Dei Neri - easily a contender for my personal favorite! The pistachio/ricotta is amazing and so is any chocolate. Also, try the strawberry cheesecake flavor.

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